Wonder – The Wonder of Being Alive (Perspective)
This month’s topic chosen by the Perspectives team
- and in particular by bravewarrior - is ‘wonder’ -
- The feeling aroused by something strange and surprising;
- Something that causes feelings of wonder;
- A state in which you want to learn more about something.
Being naive since the day I was born, I tend to go through life in a constant state of wonder. The merest scene can take my breath away.
What is more wondrous than a sunrise and a sunset?
The Sun – a star made of hydrogen and helium with the enormous diameter of ± 1,392,684 km (865,374 miles), orbiting the centre of the Milky Way 150,000,000 km (93,000,000 miles) away from Earth, providing light, warmth and life to us mortals on Earth. Fusing 620 million metric tons of hydrogen each second, its light travels to Earth in only ± 8 minutes and 19 seconds. Seeing it rise every single morning, and set every single evening, keeps me in a trance of wonder.
Also the moon and the stars and everything in the vast universe keeps my jaws dropped in amazement.
Sunrise
Sunset
What is more wondrous than Nature?
Nature, with water, fire, earth and air as the basic elements, keeps me humble and in awe of powers we mortals cannot control. We act as though we have a lien on wisdom until one of these elements forces us time and again back to the drawing board.
“Look deep into nature, and then you will understand everything better.” - Albert Einstein
“One of the most tragic things I know about human nature is that all of us tend to put off living. We are all dreaming of some magical rose garden over the horizon instead of enjoying the roses that are blooming outside our windows today.” - Dale Carnegie
“In all things of nature there is something of the marvellous.” - Aristotle
Nature
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What is more wondrous than the beginning of a new life?
There are many theories about the origin of life, but the most wondrous is the theory that one Creator had made everything out of nothing. So easy to comprehend. Sim-sa-la-bim (hocus pocus), and there it was: Life in all forms and sizes.
Once upon a time I have wrecked my brain in search of the answers of a thousand questions. But ever since I have realized that no answer will change the beauty of life, I use my time and energy to enjoy, admire and appreciate LIFE as it is. I simply allow a new-born baby, or animal, or plant to take my breath away. Seeing it grow, develop and become, delights me. .
Wondrous is the mere fact that another living being has the opportunity to breathe and exist on this awesome planet.
The wonder of life makes being alive a wondrous experience.
This is but only a small part of my perspective on 'wonder'. I can go on and on forever about love and so many other wondrous things that make living a wondrous experience.
The Beginning of a New Life
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© MartieCoetser
Perspectives -
The idea behind this series called Perspectives is explained in a hub published by the founder of the group, MickeySr:
- Perspectives: An Introduction
What we think and how we feel about things is defined, not by the things themselves, but by our perspective of things. Everything that comes before us is filtered through our perception of things...
The Perspectives, sharing their perspectives on a specific topic -
More Perspectives
- Perspective on The Charitable Spirit: Kindness - Generosity - Charity
- Perspective on Knowing Your True Self: Happiness Is a State of Mind
- Perspective on Regrets and Hopes: Living in the Present
- Perspective on Vanity: Vanity and Humility versus Pride and Modesty
- Perspective on Gratitude: Gratitude is an Attitude
- Perspective on Loneliness: An-Indisputable-Emotional-Pain
- Pespective on What You Dont Know: How-many-angels-can-dance-on-the-head-of-a-pin
- Perspective on What-Matters: Life-Matters-By-All-Odds
- Perspective on Art: The-Art-of-Living
- Perspective on Beauty: The-Beauty-in-Ugliness
Also read the perspective on WONDER of my fellow-perspectives -
Comments
Martie, I love this! Nature truly offers us wonders each and every day. Nature is poetic, awesome, inspiring, fierce, soft, gentle, glorious and wonderful. I love the photos you included, especially the ones you took. What a wonderful land you live in!
I am a heap. I selected the Sarah Brightman version for our Vicki but I admit Louie makes me sob like a little baby every time...
He is wonderful.
You are wonderful.
I will be back to read this.
Martie ~ your hubs are always so exciting to explore, they always seem so jam-packed with photos and lists and quotes, etc - but all supportive and informative of your solid ideas.
Loved this, Martie. Your photos are glorious, and that is one of my favourite songs. You are so right, that small things in life are such a source of wonder.
This is beautiful Martie, and I totally agree with all the quotes about how much we should really appreciate what we see outside our windows, and not yearn for something more elsewhere, voted up and shared across, nell
Oh, Martie....This is simply exquisite, lovely lady! This may be my favorite of your" Perspectives," works! I felt as though you had literally taken me by the hand, in kindness, to share some wonders with you. I must wonder myself....can it be one of our Aries traits, that, "the merest scene can take my breath away"...? For this truly describes my consistent response to the simple beauties of nature.....the mystic-like powers of our Universe. I know so well, Martie, the moments of sheer awe, when we literally gasp in wonder of it all. It thrills me that we share this....as with so many wonders in life.
I shall say it again and again.....I need not wonder why you are so loved!........A Hub of perfection.....Up+++tweeted & shared.
My favorite catch phrase is "have a nice day unless you've made other plans. " I find it amazing that there are people in this world who do not find wonder in life. For me life is one big candy store. :)
Beautiful topic and work, Martie!
bill
Martie,
When you write what is more wondrous than a sunrise and a sunset, you speak about the great truth. A prayer in Hindu scriptures says, if the world was not so beautiful why would god come to live among us.
Martie, this has to be my favorite perspective on wonder, because I can so relate to this one. As you say, nature is wonderful and brings so much wonder to us. I just love to be out in nature - the grass, the sky, the trees, a flower, the sun, a sunrise, a sunset, a butterfly - they all fill me with wonder.
I also related to your comment about being naive. I can relate to that also. With all the life experiences I've had, you would think I would be the most jaded and cynical of people. But, somehow, I have retained my naivetee. In some ways, I can be so naive, still and you are right, it does cause wonderment to come to the forefront. Thanks for writing such an engaging article and I just loved reading this!
Martie, this has to be my favorite perspective on wonder, because I can so relate to this one. As you say, nature is wonderful and brings so much wonder to us. I just love to be out in nature - the grass, the sky, the trees, a flower, the sun, a sunrise, a sunset, a butterfly - they all fill me with wonder.
I also related to your comment about being naive. I can relate to that also. With all the life experiences I've had, you would think I would be the most jaded and cynical of people. But, somehow, I have retained my naivetee. In some ways, I can be so naive, still and you are right, it does cause wonderment to come to the forefront. Thanks for writing such an engaging article and I just loved reading this!
Hello Martie. Thank goodness for curious people like yourself. Your photoessay covers the topic of wonder well. Some of those pictures will make great bookcovers. You covered the sun, the moon and the stars and had time left over for the great outdoors. Now I wonder what you will do next.
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@ bravewarrior – you have chosen most appropriate adjectives for Nature. I have to quote Aristotle again - “In all things of nature there is something of the marvellous.” I am sending my pilot to fetch you; I so wish I could take you all on a tour of SA.
@ marcoujor – what a wonderful world we live in, and surely at the best time ever, able to have friends all over the world. Sarah Brightman is one of my very favorites. She was a stunner in Phantom of the Opera. YOU are wonderful!
@ MickeySr Good to know that you don’t think my hubs are boring. They should appoint you as a moderator, then you can feature all my hubs :) I can write a book about all the wondrous things on this planet. I am very much like a child when I look around me. Always good to see you in my corner.
@ Vickiw – The little things are often the greatest wonders :)
@ Nell Rose – I have freed myself from negative thoughts and depression by appreciating what I can see, hear, smell, taste and touch. This was quite a trick to master, as my entire being was either in the past or the future. Thanks for the votes :)
@ fpherj48 – Aries is the baby in the zodiac. Every day we see life as if we can’t remember what we have seen the day before. Thank you so much for your lovely comment, my fellow-Aries.
@ billybuc – Your enthusiasm about life and all the things we can and should do is contagious :) Always good to see you!
@ Vinaya Ghimire – Earth is the most beautiful planet in our galaxy. Imagine any planet more beautiful in another galaxy? I agree with you :)
@ suzettenaples – I have to repeat myself – In spite of all the disappointments and wide-awakenings I haven’t lost my sense of wonder. I guess this is a wonderment in its own right. I am so glad you loved this hub of mine :)
@ mckbirdbks – I wonder, if it was not for curiosity, where and what would we have been? But curiosity combined with courage can be quite dangerous, unless it is flavored with a pinch of fear. Thanks mck, I must say I wonder where am I ever going to get the time to do everything I would so much like to do.
I am back and more composed, dear Martie.
I love that you have selected the most wondrous collage/ slideshow of photography to show nature's wonder in all her glory and the awe-inspiring amazement of a baby.
You selected the only song that was truly fitting and this teacher will have to go with an all around A + for content and passion...I am bubbling over with enthusiasm!
Voted UP and UABI. Love, Maria
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Marcoujor, i wonder what my grandmothers would have said about my hubblings and bubblings. I think they would have liked me to do knitting and so on... Thanks for your lovely comment. That baby is my 1st grandchild almost 10 years ago - I was completely astonished with wonder when I saw her the first time, and I am still, watching the babies grow :)
What is more wondrous than looking at the world through the eyes of a child. :)
You said it all here Martie, this world of ours is certainly a wonderful place. The wonders of nature in all its aspects are indeed miracles and far too often taken for granted.
This is my favourite perspective :)
I love how you selected ' The wonders of being ' as your perspective. Feeling alive and awed at the many beautiful things God made for us to enjoy, if we will only look and listen we can see beauty all around us. Of course your choice of ' A wonderful world ' is perfect for this piece. Take care my friend....
What an excellent post. I definitely feel more grateful for just being born on this planet, having everything in tact, and to know the friends and family I have. Thank you.
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@ SilentReed – before we have the privilege to see life through the eyes of a beloved child we either take life for granted or we are just not able to reach the ultimate stage of wonder. I re-live my life through the eyes of my children and grandchildren and by doing this I see so much deeper and wider – so much more to admire and appreciate. Thanks for clicking in :)
@ Rosemay50 – So good to see you! I hope you are fine and enjoying beautiful New Zealand. Thanks for your most-welcome comment.
@ always exploring – At a time in my life I was so depressed I didn’t want to see daylight. After I have literally faced death I got myself out of that deep dark well by merely appreciating the warmth of the sun rays on my skin and the air I could breathe. Appreciation of the rest of life came later – HARD work to get ‘normal’ again - to disentangle those tight knots in our pattern of thoughts. Until today, when I feel down I go out to appreciate the sun and nature. This kind of thing stimulates the workings of our chemicals – the production of dopamine and serotonin, our natural anti-depressants and feel-happy meds. Love you, Ruby!
@ Gratitude Journal – thank you so much. So good to know you can relate :)
Hi Dearest Martie,
Aw, and I am in awe always of His beautiful creation all around and your photos stir the wonder of it all so beautifully. You choice of song and all of the quotes are perfect as to the wonder of it all, and that is life!
Thank you for another beautiful perspective from a beautiful person, you!
My husband had knee surgery and I am home until next Tuesday, so slow in getting around to all here.
Voted Up ++++ and sharing
Hugs and love always, Faith Reaper
Love your perspectives and your attitude that answers will not change the wonders of life. The more appreciative we are, the more we see to appreciate. Job well done!
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@ Faith Reaper - how well I understand that '... so slow in getting around to all here....' I am fighting a feeling of guilt all the time because I just can't manage to support all my lovely friends online the way I should... the way I should show my appreciation of their support. Just know, my dearest Faith, you are PART of my world and somehow always in my thoughts whether prominently or just hovering in the background - you know the way our thoughts move - like the waves of the see - each and every friend gets their turn to roll out on the shore, demanding our admiration and appreciation. Thank you so much for your loyal support. I am on my way to pay you a visit :)
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MsDora, so good to see you in my corner! I have wasted years on searching for the meaning of life - for the sense of living - for God and the Truth behind human concepts. And in the meantime Time was disappearing into the irretrievable past. What does how/what/why matters when we have the privilege to breathe and enjoy this awesome creation. All glory to the Creator, and never mind what people call Him/Her/It and never mind all the concepts, rules and regulations people try to force down our throats..... Well, this was my conclusion and now my perceptive on life. Thanks for clicking in for the read and commenting :)
Martie, very inspirational hub. The wonder of being alive, it's such a gripping title, collects your entire attention. I love the amazing photography in your article, the beautiful sunset/sunrise. Your perspective is one I hope to follow Martie. Vote up, useful, beautiful, interesting, and shared. Best wishes always.
Beloved CD - you've expressed the very ESSENCE of wonder. I would like to have written this myself, it says so much from my heart, which is clearly from yours. From the vastness of the Milky Way and beyond - to the smallest brand-new human life on this tiny planet somewhere on the outskirts of all that, (not even the largest or most spectacular of our Old Sol's spinning satellites) - all made up of sub-microscopic 'building blocks' powered by almost self-generating energy, still - the wonder of wonderment is no less 'here' or no more 'out there'. The unity of WONDER is without boundaries of distance or any other measurement or limitation. It's the permeating joy & awareness of all the miracles one can take in. Doesn't matter 'when' or how it began, - when one does behold what it IS, it's almost more than one can contain, anyway. Certainly nothing else is lacking in the experience of it. That it's all within the smallest seed and/or the largest universe says so much. We often question what are, essentially, the answers to the questions!
Your line, "Seeing it rise every single morning, and set every single evening, keeps me in a trance of wonder." expresses it perfectly.
I adore your illustrations. Of course, Louis' "What A Wonderful World" is dear to my heart! So are you!
Thank you for this. It uplifts my day! Hugs.
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Thelyricwriter - if we have nothing left to admire in awe, sunrise and sunset will still be able to take our breath away. Thanks for your beautiful comment :)
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Nellieanna, what a thought-provoking sentence: We often question the answers of questions.
So true! As if our ideas are more real than the elementary truth - all the idyllic fables, myths and fantasies seem to be more wondrous than a mere atom or gas like helium.... And we will waste so much precious time and opportunities to appreciate what is, by discoursing the what it could be, or should be according to our ideas.
So wonderful to know we have the same perspective on wonder.
Lots of hugs to you :)
"What a wonderful world" ... filled with the beauty you have shown to us in the lovely photographs and words you have written. Nature and birth, there is nothing to compare and if that doesn't cause us to wonder what will?
We so truly live in a world of wonder and not only your hub, but you, show us that wonder. We must be able to be filled with wonder at the beauty of a person who not only sees what is around her but shares herself and pleases not only our senses but our intellect and moral senses as well. I am blessed to know you and call you friend.
Voted up, useful, awesome, and interesting.
Ah. Perhaps, dear CD, it is ALL part of the wondrousness. Our own thoughts & visions ARE part of the whole, not to mention their actually being the bulk of our only vision of 'IT': - that of our only perspective, our own; and not to be discounted or devalued, any more than we are. Our brains and bodies are constructed this way. Is that not a great truth in itself? :-D
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Hi, tillsontitan - thank you so much for your beautiful comment.... at just the right time! I think my biorhythms are all below zero :) I, too, feel blessed to have a friend like you :)
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Dearest Nellieanna, I am musing over a quote I've seen today - “Every human has four endowments- self awareness, conscience, independent will and creative imagination. These give us the ultimate human freedom... The power to choose, to respond, to change.” - Stephen R. Covey
But I do believe that friends, or rather the people in our zone, have the power to encourage OR discourage us to choose, respond, change. Thank you for being such a great encourager :)
The world is filled with wonders and your beautiful, creative hub, dear Martie, reflects that thought to perfection. What could be more wondrous that sunrise and sunset - your photos are magnificent. Thank you for this lovely treat.
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drbj, I am so glad you found this hub a treat. Sadly, even when photos are magnificent they give us but only half an idea of the real magnificent wonder. Thanks so much for your visit :)
I am so behind in reading hub and commenting, but I am so glad have read it now. The pictures are gorgeous. I have always loved nature and my favorite trips are to visit beautiful scenic sites. This is such a beautiful hub that it was like taking a trip to appreciate the beauty around us.
Beautiful SA as usual, you have such lovely photos and well approached hub voted up and interesting
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Hi Pamela, I, too, am terribly behind in reading and commenting. Apart from living and loving I am busy to set up my own website, and what a job. I am so glad you came over for the read. Yes, being in unspoilt nature and appreciating sceneries not created by man, is my idea of a holiday. Take care, Pamela :)
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Hi DDE, one day when I grow up I want to be a professional photographer. I am so glad you like my pictures. Thanks for the visit :)
This is also a wondrous perspective. It reminds me of so many things that have either fascinated me at one time or that continue to do so. Things like the science videos about the solar system, weather and the way it works, things still being discovered, the complexity of life, the world, human beings, the mind.....Haha, I could go on. You are so right on target when you say life is wondrous.
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Shanmarie, I see a soul-mate in you :) Wonderful to know this hub reminds you of so many fascinating things. Sadly, we don't have enough time to explore all of it :)
Haha! Soul mates are hard to find, so I won't turn ya away. ;-)
Just curious, but have you guys done a perspective on love? I saw a quote somewhere that echoed my thoughts about how it is both a gracious, selfless emotion yet quite possibly the most selfish of emotions. Made me ponder it more. Lol
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Hi shanmarie, we have not yet covered love per se. Of course you are welcome to 'hub' your perspective on love. That will certainly be interesting, as love is indeed like a box with many sides and extensions. Selfless and selfish, indeed. I would like to write about this myself. Don't forget to send me a link to yours, for in case I miss the notification in my inbox.
Beautiful, "Wonder"ful. You have captured it! Thank you!
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Thank you, btrbell! Always good to see you in my corner :)
Nature is a great inspiration to get in touch with the inner self, am always amazed at the healing power of nature, great write. Valuable thoughts to be remembered, voted up.
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Hi Vellur, if I could have it my way, I would live in the middle of a jungle. But not without modern luxuries :) Thanks for the votes :)
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